Advocates Push Netflix to Renew Latinx Family Sitcom 'One Day at a Time'

(L-R) "One Day at a Time" cast members Justina Machado, Isabella Gomez and Rita Moreno at the Women Making History Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 16, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. Photo Credit: John Sciulli/Getty Images

Presente.org launched a petition on Friday (March 16) that demands Neflix executives confirm that it will renew the show for a third season. In the petition, the group praises “One Day at a Time,” which follows three generations of a Cuban-American family, for empowering Latinxs both in front of and behind the camera.

“‘One Day at a Time’ showrunners Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce have built a team that is half female and half Latinx—a feat otherwise unheard of in Hollywood!” the petition reads. “Kellett and Royce are doing their part to tip the scales, but to make sweeping change, streaming giants such as Netflix need to prioritize representation as well.”

“We have the potential to shape public opinion on Latinxs and immigrants with shows like ‘One Day at a Time’!” the petition continues.

Presente.org and other groups previously signed an open letter issued by the National Hispanic Media Coalition on Thursday (March 15). The letter, which also calls for a third season, references the show’s critical acclaim and willingness to tackle themes like mental health and racism:

This critically acclaimed show serves as a guiding light—the true north in and for an industry grappling with issues of diversity, equity and inclusivity. Out of the mere 22 Latinx shows that have been picked up to series since 2000, “One Day at a Time” is by far the best received based on available Rotten Tomatoes scores. Humorous and smart at its core, audiences connect with the authenticity of Penelope (played by award-winning actress Justina Machado), an Army veteran and newly single mother of two. Unique to the 21st century reboot, however, is the intergenerational Latinx lens through which audiences view the show. Some of the issues the Cuban-American Alvarez family confronts are indeed unique to their heritage, race and the current political climate, but others such as Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) are relatable to growing populations, and many are universal—fiercely familiar to all.

As the letter notes, Calderón Kellett adapted “One Day at a Time” from a 1970s series of the same name by Norman Lear (“Good Times”), who executive produces the new show. Besides Machado, the series also stars Rita Moreno (“Jane the Virgin”) as Penelope’s mother Lydia, who struggles to obtain a green card. Isabella Gomez (“Modern Family”) and Marcel Ruiz (“Snowfall”) star as Penelope’s children, Elena and Alex, who deal with racism at school on top of everyday teenage angst.

Deadline reports that Calderón Kellett called on fans via social media to support a third season after Netflix remained publicly silent about the series’ future. The advocacy organizations picked up on her outreach.